Garmin GPS 45 Manual Download

The Garmin GPS 45 is a rugged, portable GPS receiver designed for outdoor navigation. It features a 12-channel parallel receiver, waterproof construction, multiple navigation screens, waypoint and route storage, and NMEA 0183 output. This manual provides essential information for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the device. Below are key sections covering features, installation, operation, specifications, and support.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Display 6. Advanced Navigation 7. Data Interface 8. Battery & Power 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 12-channel GPS receiver, waterproof case, backlit LCD display, external antenna port, serial data interface, and keypad controls.

FeatureDescription
12-Channel ReceiverParallel tracking for fast acquisition and reliable signal lock
Waterproof DesignMeets IPX7 standards for submersion protection
Navigation ScreensPosition, Map, Highway, Compass, and Menu screens
Waypoint StorageUp to 500 user-defined waypoints with names and symbols
Route StorageUp to 20 reversible routes with 30 waypoints each
Track LogAutomatic track recording with 1024 track points
NMEA 0183 OutputSerial interface for connection to chart plotters or PCs
Backlit DisplayFor easy viewing in low-light conditions
External Antenna PortFor connection to external GPS antenna
Battery PowerOperates on 4 AA batteries or external DC power

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Install batteries and configure initial settings.

  1. Install Batteries: Open battery compartment, insert 4 AA batteries observing polarity.
  2. Power On: Press and hold PWR key until unit beeps and display activates.
  3. Initial Setup: Follow on-screen prompts to set language, units, and time format.
  4. Acquire Satellite Signal: Place unit outdoors with clear view of sky; allow several minutes for initial fix.
  5. Connect External Antenna (Optional): Attach to external antenna port if needed for improved reception.

WARNING! Ensure batteries are installed correctly to avoid damage. Use only recommended battery types.

Basic Operation

Power on GPS 45; use keypad to navigate through screens and functions.

  1. View Position: Press POS to display latitude/longitude, altitude, and accuracy.
  2. Navigate to Waypoint: Press GOTO, select waypoint, and follow on-screen guidance.
  3. Save Current Location: Press MARK to save current position as a waypoint.
  4. Change Screens: Use PAGE key to cycle through Position, Map, Highway, Compass, and Menu screens.
  5. Adjust Backlight: Press and hold PWR, then use UP/DOWN keys to adjust brightness.

CAUTION! For accurate navigation, ensure GPS has acquired 3D fix with good satellite reception.

Specifications

Controls and Display

Front Panel: PWR key, PAGE key, UP/DOWN keys, ENTER/MARK key, GOTO key, QUIT key.

Display Screens: Position (lat/lon, altitude, accuracy), Map (graphical position and track), Highway (steering guidance), Compass (bearing pointer), Menu (system setup).

Setup Menu: Units (statute, metric, nautical), Time (local, UTC), Display (contrast, backlight), System (interface, alarms). Navigation: Waypoint management, route creation, track log control. Alarms: Anchor, proximity, arrival, and off-course alarms.

Advanced Navigation

Waypoints: Create, edit, name, and assign symbols. Routes: Build routes from waypoints; navigate forward or reverse. Track Log: Record and save track; backtrack along saved track.

  1. Create Waypoint: Press MARK, edit name/symbol, press ENTER to save.
  2. Build Route: Menu > Routes > New, add waypoints in sequence.
  3. Follow Route: Select route, press NAVIGATE, follow on-screen guidance.
  4. Save Track: Menu > Tracks > Record to save current track log.
  5. Backtrack: Menu > Tracks > Backtrack to reverse along saved track.

Tip: Use descriptive waypoint names for easy identification during navigation.

Data Interface

NMEA 0183 output for connection to compatible devices.

  1. Connect to PC: Use serial cable (provided) to connect to computer COM port.
  2. Configure Interface: Menu > Setup > Interface > NMEA/NMEA 4800.
  3. Transfer Data: Use compatible software to upload/download waypoints, routes, tracks.
  4. Connect to Chartplotter: Use NMEA output to send position data to marine plotter.

WARNING! Ensure correct cable and settings to avoid data corruption. Power off before connecting cables.

Battery & Power

Uses 4 AA batteries or external DC power source.

  1. Battery Installation: Open compartment, insert batteries observing polarity.
  2. External Power: Connect 10-40V DC to power/data port using appropriate cable.
  3. Battery Save Mode: Automatically enters power save after period of inactivity.
  4. Battery Indicator: Display shows battery level; replace when indicator is low.

CAUTION! Use only recommended batteries. Remove batteries if unit will not be used for extended periods.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with damp cloth; avoid harsh chemicals. Store in dry location when not in use.

CAUTION! Do not submerge beyond rated depth. Do not expose to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. CE certified for European market. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerDead batteriesReplace with fresh AA batteries; check polarity.
No satellite acquisitionPoor sky viewMove to open area with clear view of sky; wait several minutes.
Inaccurate positionPoor satellite geometryEnsure 3D fix with multiple satellites; avoid obstructions.
Display difficult to readContrast settingAdjust contrast via Setup > Display menu.
Waypoint not savingMemory fullDelete unused waypoints to free memory.
No data outputInterface settingsVerify NMEA output is enabled and correct baud rate is set.

Reset: Remove batteries for 30 seconds to perform hard reset if unit locks up.

Service: Contact Garmin Product Support or authorized service center.

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